On this page, you can find instructions for all the centers you'll be using during our class. All centers work should be recorded in your "RELA Centers" Googledoc. Each day, you need to enter the DATE, the NAME OF THE CENTER you're in, and whatever work is required in that center.


In The News:


In this center, you'll be reading TWO news articles, listed below. For each article, you'll answer the following questions IN YOUR OWN WORDS:
1. What is the TITLE and AUTHOR of the article?
2. CLASSIFY the article. Is it a SCIENCE AND NATURE article, a POLITICS article, a CATASTROPHE article, or a GOOD NEWS article?
3. What is the MAIN IDEA of this article? This should be in YOUR OWN WORDS, NOT something copied and pasted, of COURSE. (1 sentence)
4. SUMMARIZE this article [IN YOUR OWN WORDS] in 5 sentences, giving at least 3 relevant details.
5. List 3 questions you have about the article. (Yes, you DO have 3 questions about it. Think harder if you don't come up with any at first.)

Remember, sometimes it helps to read them twice! The two articles this week are:

http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3757911

http://sni.scholastic.com/top-news/2013/02/Losing-Africa-s-Lions

Poetry:


In this center, you'll be reading TWO poems, listed below. For each poem, you'll answer the following questions IN YOUR OWN WORDS:
1. What is the TITLE and POET'S NAME?
2. What is the MAIN IDEA of this poem? (1 sentence)
3. Was this poem LIKE or UNLIKE other poems you've read or heard? How? (4 sentences)
4. What mood was this poet trying to convey? Did he or she make you feel that way? Why or why not? (3 sentences)
5. Did you like this poem? Why or why not? (3 sentences)

Remember, sometimes it helps to read or listen twice! The two poems this week are:


New Ending:

In this center, you'll be picking up a story we're reading and taking it in your own direction. You will start with the few sentences I give you below, and make up your OWN ideas, taking the story in your own direction. The new story ending should be at least 250 words.

This week's starter is:
Just as they were about to hand Norbert to Charlie's friends, Professor McGonagall entered the tower room. "What is that you have, Potter?" she called sharply. "Well," Harry began ...


TeenBiz


You still need to enter the DATE and NAME OF THE CENTER in your Googledoc, however.

In this center, you'll be logging on to TeenBiz, and completing a FULL CYCLE for the daily article. This means:
1. Checking your email.
2. Reading the article.
3. Do the "activity" (multiple choice question).
4. Do the poll.
5. Answer the "think" question.
6. Completing ALL tabs at the top of the page!

Vocabulary:

In this center, you'll write a short story that includes all of the vocabulary words.

Literature Circle:

This center does not happen on the computer. You still need to enter the DATE and NAME OF THE CENTER in your Googledoc, however. In this center, you'll be working with your group and reading a novel or book as a group. Sitting together, you'll take turns reading aloud, and answer the questions or do the project required.

Guided Practice:


This center does not happen on the computer. You still need to enter the DATE and NAME OF THE CENTER in your Googledoc, however. In this center, you'll work with an instructor to practice literacy skills.


Remember, I'll be looking at your Centers Googledoc OFTEN and entering grades for it in MMS. Do your best!

Past Poems:


Lamont Carey -- I Can't Read --
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lByDfPOG0LA

Sandra Cisneros -- Good Hotdogs --
http://server.stthomasday.org/gradeone/poetry/good_hotdogs.html

Perre Shelton -- Dandelions

Shel Silverstein -- Tryin' On Clothes --
http://faculty.weber.edu/chansen/humanweb/projects/MeghanUng/tryinonclothes.htm

Poetri -- Monsters

Langston Hughes -- Mother to Son

Daniel Beaty -- Knock, Knock


Langston Hughes -- As I Grew Older
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/as-i-grew-older/

Shel Silverstien: Best Mask--
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lokf43gJDc1qmqpiro1_500.jpg


Sarah Kay -- Hands


Liza Garza -- My Everything



The World Is Not A Pleasant Place to Be -- Nikki Giovanni
http://poetryforchildren.blogspot.com/2007/04/poems-comfort-and-nikki-giovanni.html


http://faculty.weber.edu/chansen/humanweb/projects/MeghanUng/Ticklishtom.htm

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15433
REMEMBER, IF THE POEM IS A POEM TO LISTEN TO, YOU MUST USE HEADPHONES.